2025 Honda Odyssey vs. Kia Carnival
While many are quick to poke fun at the minivan, the simple truth is that thereās no better tool for transporting your growing family. From easy entry/exit and customizable seating configurations to kid-approved multimedia features and life-saving safety technologies ā the modern minivan remains the ultimate option for families for good reason. As a segment leader for decades, the Honda Odyssey continues to set the benchmark for its class.
Still not convinced that the Honda Odyssey is the best choice for you and your family? Our team at Germain Honda of Naples is here to help! Weāve compared the Honda Odyssey head-to-head against one of its top rivals ā the Kia Carnival ā to help showcase all of the strengths and advantages of this popular minivan. Which one will take home the victory? Letās find out together!
Honda Odyssey vs Kia Carnival
2025 Honda Odyssey EX-L | VS | 2025 Kia Carnival EX |
$41,920 | MSRP* (excluding destination charges) | $40,700 |
19 / 28 / 22 ā | MPG** (city/highway/combined) | 18 / 26 / 21 |
10 ā | Transmission Speeds | 8 |
7-inch ā | LCD Driver Information Screen | Not Available |
Standard ā | Tire Fill Assist | Not Available |
Standard ā | HomeLink Garage Door Opener | Optional |
Standard ā | Power Moonroof | Requires Higher Trim |
Standard ā | Front Fog Lights | Requires Higher Trim |
Standard ā | Capless Fueling System | Not Available |
Leather ā | Upholstery Type | Leatherette |
Standard ā | Active Noise Cancellation | Not Available |
40.9 / 38.1 inches ā | 2nd / 3rd Row Legroom | 40.5 / 35.6 inches |
First Visit ā | Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | Not Available |
Comparing equivalent trim levels of both minivans, youāll notice a slightly lower price tag for the Kia Carnival as compared to the Honda Odyssey. However, a closer look at the details reveals that choosing the Carnival will prove to be an expensive mistake. It all starts when we compare fuel economy numbers for both models. Across all three EPA-estimated MPG categories, the Odyssey tops the Carnival to help you save money at the pump. Its more sophisticated 10-speed automatic transmission contributes to this efficiency along with more responsiveness behind the wheel.
The Honda Odyssey continues to shine as we look closer at the premium standard features of both minivans. Three great convenience features included as standard on the Odyssey are its handy tire fill assist, capless fueling system, and HomeLink integrated rearview mirror. All three are unavailable on the Kia Carnival EX. Youāll also have to do without the useful 7-inch LCD driver information display located within the gauge cluster of the Odyssey EX-L and its standard LED foglights.
Rivaling even some luxury vehicles, the Honda Odyssey offers luxurious features at an affordable price. For example, its standard power moonroof can open at the touch of a button to fill the cabin with natural sunlight. While Kia forces you to settle for imitation leatherette seating surfaces, every Honda Odyssey comes standard with genuine leather for added comfort. Active noise cancellation further contributes to the serene cabin of the Odyssey. More legroom across the second and third rows of seating helps everyone stretch out and get comfortable as well. Finally, Kia also cannot match the complimentary first scheduled maintenance visit included with the purchase of your new Honda Odyssey.
Winner – Honda Odyssey
The results are in! As you can clearly see, the Kia Carnival is simply no match for the popular Honda Odyssey. The Carnival cannot compete with the outstanding value, versatility, premium standard features, and innovative technology features included as standard across the Odyssey model range. Ready to experience all that the Honda Odyssey has to offer? Browse our extensive inventory of the latest new Odyssey models right here at Germain Honda of Naples.
*MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, and accessories. Includes $1,395 destination charge, Dealer prices may vary. MSRP does not include $455 charge for premium colors.
**19 city/28 highway/22 combined mpg rating. Based on 2025 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions and other factors.